In the context of LifeLongJoints, applicants are invited for a PhD studentship at the Institute for Biomechanics of the ETH Zurich.

Whole-body, multi-body dynamic biomechanical simulations will be coupled to joint-scale finite element analyses to predict prosthesis wear rates across a broad range of patient parameters and simulated activities of daily living. Representative surface wear rates will be governed by computational wear and corrosion models developed by our collaborators. The application of this coupled simulation method for prosthesis design optimisation will be explored.

The Industrial Technologies 2014 conference integrates nanotechnology, biotechnology, advanced materials and new production technologies. The event offers opportunities for developing valuable research and industry collaborations, and showcases cutting-edge research, latest innovations and rising companies from all around Europe.

The main topics include:

European and global developments in the high-tech arena,

Re-industrialisation and regional development in Europe,

Technological and entrepreneurial opportunities especially for the Balkan and Mediterranean states, and

Opportunities in Horizon 2020 in the field of enabling technologies.

The event takes place during the Greek Presidency of the European Council and has received funding from European Union Seventh Framework Programme.

On the picture you see Karen Steenson of the University of Leeds and Axel Wegner of TuTech Innovation GmbH.

The European Commission and the Scientific Committee on Emerging Newly Identified Health Risks have launched a public consultation on the preliminary opinion on “the safety of Metal-on-Metal joint replacements with a particular focus on hip implants”.

The aim of this opinion is to assess whether the use of MoM implants in arthroplasty, could give reasons for concern from the health point of view and, if possible, to provide indications on the design and patient groups and also to identify needs for further research.

All interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the preliminary opinion by 25 April 2014 in view of gathering specific comments, suggestions, explanations or contributions on the scientific basis of the opinion, as well as any other scientific information regarding the questions addressed, to enable Scientific Committees to focus on issues which need to be further investigated.